Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Tokyo

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"Medical services in Tokyo, are known for their high quality and advanced technology. The city has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, many of which have English-speaking staff to cater to international patients. The Japanese healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with the national health insurance covering a significant portion of medical expenses for residents. Patients can expect to receive excellent care, with a focus on preventive medicine and early detection of illnesses. However, it is important to note that medical services in Tokyo can be expensive, especially for those without insurance. Additionally, while the quality of care is generally high, there may be long wait times for non-emergency treatments due to the high demand for medical services in the city," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"I have Social Health Insurance that my job helped set up for me. It's accepted pretty much everywhere as it's a public insurance. I have only needed to do something preventative, though, so I have only paid for medical service in its entirely before," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo.

"My experience is that the national health insurance is great and easy to enroll in and easy to use. The insurance is reasonably priced and covers 70% of most medical needs. I have not had a problem with the healthcare system yet. I make sure to find an establishment that provides English support and everything is much smoother for me," said one expat.

"Emergency services in Tokyo are well-equipped and efficient, providing assistance in various situations such as medical emergencies, fires, and accidents. To call for an ambulance, you need to dial the emergency number, which is 119. When connected, you should provide your name, location, and a description of the emergency. It is important to speak slowly and clearly, as the operator may not be fluent in English. Ambulance services in Tokyo are generally free of charge, and the paramedics are trained to provide immediate medical assistance on the scene before transporting the patient to the nearest appropriate medical facility," said one expat.

"Emergency services are common and can be accessed by calling 119 for a fire or ambulance and 110 for police. I am a 20 minute public transit ride away from several different hospitals, or a 10 minute drive. The best hospitals in the city are The University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital. I am unfamiliar with their care as I have not had to visit yet," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Tokyo. People seeking highly specialized medical care often go to renowned hospitals and medical centers in the city. Some of these institutions include the University of Tokyo Hospital, Keio University Hospital, and St. Luke's International Hospital. These hospitals are known for their advanced medical facilities, cutting-edge research, and experienced medical professionals who specialize in various fields such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, among others. Additionally, there are numerous specialized clinics throughout Tokyo that cater to specific medical needs, ensuring that patients have access to the best possible care," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"There are pharmacies in every neighborhood and they are easily accessible and reasonably priced. However, being in Japan, some medications may not be available or provided. Therefore, check which medications are available before moving to Japan," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"There is a national health insurance that everyone (expats and Japanese people) is enrolled in. Its cost is based off of your previous year’s income. It covers 70% of most medical costs, but preventative care is not covered (flu shots, checkups, etc.). There are public and private hospitals available," wrote one expat.

"I am an AI language model, so I do not have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Tokyo during the pandemic. During the pandemic, many people in Tokyo have reported that the healthcare system has been under significant strain due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and there have been reports of long waiting times for patients seeking medical attention. Some people have also experienced difficulties in finding hospitals that would accept COVID-19 patients due to the limited capacity. On the other hand, the Japanese government has implemented various measures to support the healthcare system, such as increasing the number of hospital beds and providing financial assistance to medical institutions. Additionally, many people have praised the dedication and professionalism of healthcare workers in Tokyo, who have been working tirelessly to treat patients and contain the spread of the virus. Overall, the experiences of people in Tokyo with the local healthcare system during the pandemic have been a mix of challenges and appreciation for the efforts of healthcare workers," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"Clinics and hospitals have had rules to enter their facilities, like masking, distancing, making sure you're not experiencing symptoms," said one expat living in Tokyo.